Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | N | Nutrition & Dietetics: The Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia

Vitamin D status of Australians.

Article Excerpt
The main source of vitamin D for Australians is derived through the exposure to ultra violet (UV) radiation through the action of sunlight on the skin. The emerging public health issue of an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Australia is probably a function of our changing lifestyle, spending less time out of doors, both travelling to and from work, at work and pursing more leisure time activities indoors. From an evolutionary perspective humans were designed to maintain vitamin D status through sunlight, and maintaining adequate vitamin D status through exposure to sunlight is preferable. It has been estimated that around 10-15 minutes exposure to noonday sun in summer in Sydney is comparable to taking around 15 000 IU (375 [micro]g) of vitamin D orally; (1) however, this level of exposure is not recommended for skin and eye health, particularly for Australians who have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Previous public health messages have encouraged people to reduce their exposure to sunlight when UV levels are highest, and have promoted the use of shade, hats, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen when outside. It now appears that a significant number of Australians have low levels of circulating vitamin D due to inadequate exposure to sunlight. Dark-skinned people, those who are housebound or bedridden, and those who cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons, are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency. Additionally there is also evidence of low...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!